Beverage dispensing and pressurizer system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprises an inflatable object adapted to be inserted into a beverage container, and a mechanism adapted to inject air into the inflatable object in response to a decrease in pressure within the beverage container. The beverage container may hold a carbonated beverage, for example. In one embodiment, the mechanism is adapted to maintain an equilibrium between a first partial pressure within the carbonated beverage and a second partial pressure of an air pocket within the beverage container. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cap adapted to fit onto the beverage container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled to the cap. The cap may comprise a tube connecting the cap and the inflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channel adapted to transmit air to the inflatable object.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification relates generally to beverage dispensing andpressurizing systems and more particularly, to systems for dispensingand pressurizing carbonated beverages.

BACKGROUND

Carbonated beverages, also referred to as soft drinks or sodas, areamong the most popular beverages consumed today. A carbonated beveragecontains carbon dioxide dissolved in water. Typically, a large amount ofcarbon dioxide is dissolved in the soft drink to ensure a minimaleffervescence when the beverage is opened or poured into a glass.

Dispensing a carbonated beverage causes a significant loss of carbondioxide. This loss of carbonation occurs in both the beverage dispensedand in the beverage remaining in the bottle. In either case, thebeverage “goes flat” and the taste is less appealing to most people.

Opening a bottle containing a carbonated beverage and pouring a drinkreduces the effervescence of the beverage in two ways. Opening thebottle releases carbon dioxide which has escaped from the beverageduring storage. In addition, the act of pouring disturbs the beverage,causing the release of the dissolved carbon dioxide from both thebeverage being dispensed and the beverage remaining in the bottle. Oncecarbon dioxide is released, it does not re-dissolve into the beverage.

Carbonated beverages are purchased in a variety of sizes. One popularsize is the twelve ounce bottle or can. Another popular size is the twoliter bottle. Use of larger size containers provides a number ofadvantages. Larger size containers offer lower cost per ounce. Largersize containers also consume fewer resources, and are thus moreenvironmentally friendly. Also, because the soda is typically pouredmanually into a cup or glass, the user may gauge more accurately howmuch to dispense, thus resulting in less waste.

However, larger containers are associated with a number of problems. Alarger container, such as a two-liter bottle, holds a larger quantity ofsoda, which is often only partially consumed; the container is typicallythen closed and stored, for example in a refrigerator. However, if thebeverage is not consumed immediately, the carbonated beverage inside thebottle often goes flat after the bottle in storage (e.g., in therefrigerator). Also, large bottles are less convenient to handle thansmaller containers. In addition, frequently removing a large beveragecontainer from the refrigerator consumes electricity.

Several existing products exist to address some of the problemsdiscussed above. Some simple dispensers allow soda to be pushed out of abottle by the pressure of the carbon dioxide without opening the cap.This solution can reduce the release of carbon dioxide within thebottle. However, this solution does not prevent the release of carbondioxide indefinitely. After a portion of the beverage is consumed, avolume of air is created in the bottle, and all of a portion of theremaining carbon dioxide is released, causing the beverage to go flat.

Another existing solution is to use a pressure pumps to pump air intothe bottle each time the beverage is poured. This solution is cumbersomebecause pumping is required every time the bottle is opened. Inaddition, this solution is not fully effective because each time the capis opened, some of the carbon dioxide escapes.

Existing solutions do not successfully prevent carbonated beverages fromgoing flat. Furthermore, existing solutions do not address otherproblems, such as inconvenience and environmental issues (e.g., the needfor frequent opening of the refrigerator).

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus comprises an inflatableobject adapted to be inserted into a beverage container, and a mechanismadapted to inject air into the inflatable object in response to adecrease in pressure within the beverage container, thereby inflatingthe inflatable object. The beverage container may hold a carbonatedbeverage, for example.

In one embodiment, the mechanism is adapted to maintain an equilibriumbetween a first partial pressure within the carbonated beverage and asecond partial pressure of an air pocket within the beverage container.

In another embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a cap adapted to fitonto the beverage container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled tothe cap. The cap may comprise a tube connecting the cap and theinflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channel adapted totransmit air to the inflatable object.

In one embodiment, a volume of air sufficient to cause the inflatableobject to expand sufficiently to occupy a volume vacated by thedispensed beverage is injected into the inflatable object.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system for dispensing acarbonated beverage is provided. The system includes a compressed airreservoir adapted to store pressurized air at a selected pressure, and adispensing mechanism adapted to dispense a carbonated liquid from acontainer. The system also includes an inflatable object adapted fitinside the container, and a channel connecting the compressed airreservoir and the inflatable object, wherein the channel is adapted toallow pressurized air to flow from the compressed air reservoir to theinflatable object. In response to a carbonated liquid being dispensedfrom the container, pressurized air flows from the compressed airreservoir into the inflatable object, causing the inflatable object toexpand inside the container.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a bottle. The inflatableobject may comprise a balloon. The channel may comprise at least onetube.

In another embodiment, the system includes a cap adapted to fit onto thebottle, the cap comprising at least one tube adapted to extend into thecontainer when the cap is fitted onto the container, wherein theinflatable object is coupled to the at least one tube. The cap furthercomprises a second channel allowing pressurized air to flow through thecap into the inflatable object via the at least one tube.

In another embodiment, the cap comprises a twist-on cap adapted toattach to a two liter soda bottle. The compressed air reservoir storesair at a pressure selected to inflate the inflatable object within thecontainer sufficiently to cause an air pocket within the container tomaintain a substantially constant volume.

In accordance with another embodiment, a connector assembly is provided.The connector assembly comprises an outer casing defining a cavity, aninlet, an outlet, a first channel connecting the cavity and an outlet,and a second channel connecting the cavity and an inlet. The connectorassembly also includes a hollow sliding valve disposed in the cavity,the sliding valve having a side hole and a top hole, wherein the slidingvalve has a first position and a second position. The side hole isaligned with the second channel and a flow of air between the secondchannel and the cavity is permitted when the sliding valve is in thefirst position. The side hole is not aligned with the second channel andthe flow of air between the second channel and the cavity is blockedwhen the sliding valve is in the second position. The connector assemblyfurther comprises an engaging mechanism disposed within the cavity, theengaging mechanism being adapted to receive threads of a beveragecontainer. The sliding valve moves from the second position to the firstposition in response to a beverage container being engaged with theengaging mechanism.

In one embodiment, the first channel is adapted to dispense beveragefrom the beverage container when a beverage container is engaged withthe engaging mechanism. The beverage container may be a two liter sodabottle, for example.

In another embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a welldisposed in the cavity, wherein a spring is disposed in the well, andthe sliding valve is disposed in the well and attached to the spring.

In accordance with another embodiment, a beverage dispensing system isprovided. The beverage dispensing system includes a plurality of bottleholders adapted to hold a plurality of two liter bottles each containinga liquid, a cooling system adapted to cool the plurality of two literbottles, and one or more dispensing mechanisms adapted to dispenseliquid from the plurality of two liter bottles. The system furtherincludes a pressurized air reservoir adapted to hold pressurized air,and at least one connector assembly coupled to the pressurized airreservoir, the at least one connecting assembly being adapted to engagea two liter bottle, allow liquid to be dispensed from the two literbottle, and allow pressurized air to flow from the pressurized airreservoir into the two liter bottle.

In one embodiment, the cooling system comprises a plurality of coolingloops, a plurality of Peltier plates, a heat sink, and a ventilationfan.

In another embodiment, the beverage dispensing system further comprisesa stopper cap adapted to be attached to the two liter bottle, thestopper cap being further adapted to be connected to the at least oneconnector assembly.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the followingDetailed Description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an external view of a beverage dispensing system inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away view of the interior of a beverage dispensingsystem, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of the interior of a beverage dispensingsystem in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows cooling system of a beverage dispensing system inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top-down view of a cooling loop, a connector, a coolingplate, and a heat sink in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of certain components of a beveragedispensing system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a compressed air reservoir in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a user replacing an ordinary cap of a beveragebottle with a stopper cap in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows components of a stopper cap in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a stopper cap in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a stopper cap attached to a bottle in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a bottle with a stopper cap and a connector assembly inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a sliding valve in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a bottle and a stopper cap twisted partially into aconnector assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a bottle and a stopper cap twisted partially into aconnector assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 18 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 21 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 22 shows a bottle and a stopper cap connected to a connectorassembly in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 23 shows a system for dispensing a carbonated beverage from acontainer in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus comprises an inflatableobject adapted to be inserted into a beverage container, and a mechanismadapted to inject air into the inflatable object in response to adecrease in pressure within the beverage container, thereby inflatingthe inflatable object. The beverage container may hold a carbonatedbeverage, for example. The mechanism may be adapted to maintain anequilibrium between a first partial pressure within the carbonatedbeverage and a second partial pressure of an air pocket within thebeverage container. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a capadapted to fit onto the beverage container, wherein the inflatableobject is coupled to the cap. The cap may comprise a tube connecting thecap and the inflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channeladapted to transmit air to the inflatable object. In one embodiment, avolume of air sufficient to cause the inflatable object to expandsufficiently to occupy a volume vacated by the dispensed beverage isinjected into the inflatable object.

In accordance with another embodiment, a beverage dispensing system isprovided. The beverage dispensing system comprises a plurality of bottleholders adapted to hold a plurality of two-liter bottles each containinga liquid. The beverage dispensing system also includes a cooling systemadapted to cool the plurality of two-liter bottles, and one or moredispensing mechanisms adapted to dispense liquid from the plurality oftwo-liter bottles. The beverage dispensing system further comprises apressurized air reservoir adapted to hold pressurized air, and at leastone connecting assembly coupled to the pressurized air reservoir, the atleast one connecting assembly being adapted to inject pressurized airinto each of the plurality of two-liter bottles.

In accordance with another embodiment, a user may replace an ordinarycap (of a two-liter bottle, for example) with an inventive stopper cap,and use the stopper cap to connect the bottle to a connector assembly.The stopper cap and the connector assembly allow a carbonated beverageto be dispensed from the bottle and further allow pressurized air to beinjected into an inflatable object within the bottle to control a volumeof air within the bottle. Controlling a volume of air within the bottlemay, for example, prevent carbon dioxide within the beverage fromvaporizing and consequently prevent the beverage from going flat.

FIG. 1 shows an external view of a beverage dispensing system inaccordance with an embodiment. Beverage dispensing system 100 comprisesa container 110, a plurality of dispensing mechanisms 120, a pluralityof dispensing handles 125, and a plurality of displays 140, 141, 142.Beverage dispensing system 100 also includes a ventilation opening 160and a pump handle 155.

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away view of the interior of beverage dispensingsystem 100, in accordance with an embodiment. Beverage dispensing system100 comprises a bottle holder 230, which surrounds a portion of theinterior of container 110. Bottle holder 230 comprises an insulatingmaterial, such as foam, for example. Bottle holder 230 comprises aplurality of chambers 210 adapted to hold bottles of a selected size. Inthe illustrative embodiment, bottle holder 230 comprises three chambers210.

Beverage dispensing system 100 also comprises a compressed air providingapparatus 240. In the illustrative embodiment, compressed air providingapparatus 240 comprises a compressed air reservoir. In otherembodiments, compressed air providing apparatus 240 may include any typeof apparatus adapted to provide compressed air, such as an air pump(powered or manual), or other type of device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, container 110 serves as the container ofvarious components of beverage system 100, and also holds beveragebottles. The exterior portion of container 110 includes dispensermechanisms 120 and dispensing handles 125, which may be operated by auser.

Pump handle 155 operates a manually operated pressure pump (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). Pump handle 155 is accessible to a user from theexterior of container 110.

Displays 140, 141, 142 are mounted on the exterior of container 110. Invarious embodiments, selected parameters relating to the operationalstatus of beverage dispensing system 100 may be displayed on thedisplays. In the illustrative embodiment, displays 140, 141, 142display, respectively, a power level, one or more temperature readings(which may include one or more of current internal temperature, currentexternal temperature, etc.), and a measure of air pressure within thebottles. In other embodiments, more or fewer than three displays may beused, and other types of information may be displayed.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, beverage dispensing system 100may hold up to three (3) 2-liter bottles of selected sodas or otherbeverages, which may be carbonated or non-carbonated. FIG. 2 isillustrative only and should not be construed as limiting. In otherembodiments, a beverage dispensing system may hold more or fewer thanthree bottles. Also, in other embodiments, a beverage dispensing systemmay be adapted to hold smaller or larger bottles, or other types ofbeverage containers.

Advantageously, beverage dispensing system 100 may hold one or morelarge size bottles and allow a user to dispense small amounts into a cupin an economical and environmentally-friendly manner.

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of the interior of beverage dispensingsystem 100 in accordance with an embodiment. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIG. 3, the exterior of bottle holder 230 is omitted inorder to show the contents thereof. Three bottle cooling loops 305 areattached to a ventilation chamber 380. Each cooling loop 305 has adiameter sufficient to hold a beverage bottle of a selected size. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, each cooling loop 305 holds atwo-liter bottle 360. In other embodiments, a cooling loop 305 may holda bottle of a different size. Each bottle 360 is further secured withina respective bottle connector assembly 335.

Beverage dispensing system 100 includes a cooling system 400 which coolsthe beverages stored in bottles 360, and maintains the coolness of thebeverages in the bottles. FIG. 4 shows cooling system 400 in accordancewith an embodiment. Ventilation chamber 380, ventilation opening 160,and cooling loops 305 are components of cooling system 400. Whilecooling system 400 includes a plurality of cooling loops 305, only onecooling loop 305 is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience. Cooling system 400further comprises a heat sink 415, and a ventilation fan 464.

As shown in FIG. 4, each cooling loop 305 is connected to asemiconductor cooling plate 418 via a connector 505. Each cooling plate418 is attached to, or integrated with, heat sink 415. During operation,one side of cooling plate 418 remains cool, while the other side ofcooling plate 418 generates heat. Cooling loop 305 is connected to thecool side of cooling plate 418. The metal area of cooling loop 305 isthermally conductive and consequently facilitates a cooling processwhich cools the beverage through the surface of the bottle. The warmerside of cooling plate 418 is connected to heat sink 415. Ventilation fan464 is arranged to direct the air flow to remove heat throughventilation opening 160 to the exterior of beverage dispensing system100. A temperature sensor (not shown) may be used to control electricalpower to cooling plates 418 and to fan 464. When the beverage in bottles360 is sufficiently cool, cooling plates 418 are turned off.

Referring again to FIG. 2, bottle holder 230 (in which the bottles areheld) is insulated to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of coolingsystem 400.

In one embodiment, a 12VDC power supply (not shown) is used to powercooling system 400. In another embodiment, direct car battery input maybe used. In another embodiment, a 112VAC converter may be used.

FIG. 5 is a top-down view of cooling loop 305, connector 505, coolingplate 418, and heat sink 415 in accordance with an embodiment. While forillustrative purposes various components are shown separated in FIG. 5,in operation, cooling loop 305 is connected to connector 505, connector505 is connected to cooling plate 418, and cooling plate 418 isconnected to, or integrated with, heat sink 415. Cooling plate 418comprises a thermoelectric cooling mechanism, such as a Peltier plate.To connect cooling loop 305 to cooling plate 418, a connector 505,having a first, flat side 512 (attached to cooling plate 418) and asecond, curved side 514 (to attached to cooling loop 305), is used.

In one embodiment, cooling loop 305 may comprise aluminum. Cooling loop305 fits into chamber 210, and has a diameter approximately the same asthe diameter of chamber 210. Cooling loop 305 may have a width between 1inches and 3 inches, for example.

Connector assembly 335 allows a beverage to flow out from a bottle andbe dispensed via dispensing mechanism 120. Connector assembly 335 alsoensures that a carbonated beverage stored in a bottle 360 remainspressurized and carbonated, by injecting compressed air into aninflatable object within the bottle as the volume of the liquid in thebottle decreases due to its being dispensed.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of certain components of beveragedispensing system 100 in accordance with an embodiment. Bottle 360 isheld by cooling loop 305 within bottle holder 230. Bottle 360 isconnected to connector assembly 335. A tube 1630 is connected to anoutlet 1258 of connector assembly 335. Tube 1630 curves upward in frontof bottle holder 230, ending at dispensing mechanism 120. Dispensinghandle 125 is connected to tube 1630.

Dispensing mechanism 120 allows beverages to be dispensed to a user in amanner commonly used at soda fountains. Specifically, dispensingmechanism comprises a valve that may be opened and closed by movingdispensing handle 125. When dispensing handle 125 is pressed, the valveopens, allowing pressurized beverage liquid to flow out from bottle 360to a cup held by the user.

An inlet 1254 of connector assembly 335 is connected to one of aplurality of outlets 2045 of compressed air reservoir 240. Also shown inFIG. 6 is fan 464 and a pressure pump 2070, including pump handle 155.

Compressed air reservoir 240 supplies compressed air to bottles 360 toexpand the inflatable object within bottle 360, thereby occupying thespace vacated by any beverage that is dispensed, consequentlymaintaining the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide in the liquid,and the carbon dioxide concentration in the liquid, as the beverage isdispensed. The pressure provided by compressed air reservoir 240 alsofacilitates the flow of the beverage for dispensing.

FIG. 7 shows compressed air reservoir 240 in accordance with anembodiment. Compressed air reservoir 240 is disposed on a base element2168 having three outlets 2045. Pump 2070 (shown with pump handle 155)is connected to the top of reservoir 240 via a tube 2125 and aconnecting mechanism 2140.

In one embodiment, reservoir 240 is a balloon approximately the size ofa two-liter beverage bottle, which can withstand up to 100 psi ofcompressed air. In other embodiments, reservoir 240 may have otherconfigurations and other sizes. Pump 2070 pumps air into reservoir 240.Pump 2070 may be electrical or manually operated. In one embodiment,reservoir 240 is connected to the dispensing mechanism 120 via a one-waypressure valve (not shown). The pressure within reservoir 240 ismaintained at a predetermined level. When the air pressure in bottle 360is lower than the pressure of reservoir 240, the compressed air withinreservoir 240 is injected into an inflatable object within the bottle,bringing the pressure of the bottle up to that of the reservoir.

In one embodiment, when the pressure of reservoir 240 is below thepredetermined level, an alert may be displayed on display 142 (onexterior of beverage dispensing system 100, as shown in FIG. 1). A usermay then employ pump handle 155 and use pump 2070 to increase the airpressure in reservoir 240 to the desired level.

In some embodiments, a powered compressed air providing device may beused to provide compressed air (without a compressed air reservoir).

It has been observed that existing products designed to prevent loss ofcarbonation within a beverage bottle by injecting pressurized air intothe bottle do not successfully prevent loss of carbonation. It has beendetermined that this problem may be addressed more successfully bycontrolling the volume of the air in the bottle (rather than thepressure of the air in the bottle). Because of the principle of partialpressures, the release of carbon dioxide from a carbonated beverage isprimarily determined by the differential between the partial pressure ofthe carbon dioxide in the beverage and the partial pressure of carbondioxide within the air within the bottle. It is therefore desirable tomaintain an equilibrium or a substantial equilibrium between the partialpressure of the carbon dioxide in the beverage and the partial pressureof carbon dioxide within the air within the bottle.

In accordance with an embodiment, the volume of air within a bottlecontaining a carbonated beverage is controlled in order to maintain aconstant or substantially constant volume of the air within the bottleas the beverage is dispensed. By maintaining a constant or substantiallyconstant volume of air within the bottle, a constant or substantiallyconstant partial pressure of carbon dioxide within the air ismaintained, in order to maintain an equilibrium or substantialequilibrium between the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the airwithin the bottle and the carbon dioxide within the carbonated beverage.When such an equilibrium is maintained, little or no release of carbondioxide from the carbonated beverage into the air occurs.

In accordance with an embodiment, an inventive stopper cap is attachedto a bottle containing a carbonated beverage. The bottle is thenconnected to connector assembly 335. The stopper cap is coupled to aninflatable object which fits into the bottle and expands within thebottle to control the volume of an air pocket within the bottle.

Advantageously, connector assembly 335 is configured to allow a user toconnect, and to disconnect, bottles in a simple manner. In oneembodiment, a user connects a beverage bottle, such as a two-literbottle of soda, to connector assembly 335 by removing the ordinary capthat is on the bottle at time of purchase with an inventive stopper capadapted to connect easily to connector assembly 335. The user may do sowhile the bottle is placed upright on a countertop, for example.

In accordance with an embodiment, an inventive stopper cap is placed ona bottle containing a carbonated beverage. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate anembodiment in which a user replaces the ordinary cap of a beveragebottle with a stopper cap. FIG. 8A shows a beverage bottle 360 having anordinary cap 630. For example, cap 630 may be a twist-off cap of thetype commonly used on 2-liter bottles of soda. Referring to FIG. 8B, auser removes cap 630 and places a stopper cap 750 onto bottle 360. Forexample, stopper cap 750 may be twisted onto bottle 360. FIG. 8C showsbottle 360 with stopper cap 750 attached in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 9 shows components of stopper cap 750 in accordance with anembodiment. Stopper cap 750 comprises an outer casing 910 and a stopper920. A first set of threads 973 are disposed on the exterior surface ofouter casing 910, and a second set of threads 965 are disposed on theinterior surface of outer casing 910. Stopper 920 comprises an opening922. A hole 924 is disposed at the interior end of opening 922.

Stopper cap 750 also comprises a first tube portion 932, which isattached to stopper 920. First tube portion 932 is disposedsubstantially within outer casing 910 and forms an air channel 945within stopper cap 750. A spring 912 is disposed inside stopper cap 750,and is attached to stopper 920 and to a wall 934 at the opposite end ofstopper cap 750. Spring 912 may wind around first tube portion 932, forexample. Spring 912 exerts pressure on stopper 920, holding stopper 920in a closed position.

FIG. 10 is a top view of stopper cap 750 in accordance with anembodiment. Outer casing 910 is configured peripherally around stopper920. From the top view shown in FIG. 10, opening 922 is visible,providing a view of first tube portion 932 and hole 924 at the interiorend of opening 922.

Returning to FIG. 9, a second tube portion 938 is attached, at a firstend, to first tube portion 932. A second end of second tube portion 938comprises a sliding piece 960. For example, sliding piece 960 may be acylindrical piece fitted concentrically around second tube portion 938and may be adapted to slide along second tube portion 938. Sliding piece960 includes an end cap 963 having a hole 964 that allows air to flowinto and out of second tube portion 938. In one embodiment, slidingpiece 960 is adapted to slide up and down the length of second tubeportion 938. A spring 951 exerts a force on sliding piece 960,maintaining sliding piece 960 in a first position at the end of secondtube section 938.

An inflatable object 980 is attached to sliding piece 960. In theillustrative embodiment, inflatable object 980 is a balloon. Forexample, the mouth of balloon 980 may be fitted and sealed aroundsliding piece 960. Balloon 980 may comprise, for example, rubber or asimilar material.

Second tube portion 938 comprises an air channel 955 through which airmay flow between first tube portion 932 and balloon 980.

Thus, stopper 920, first tube portion 932 and second tube portion 938together form a channel by which air may flow from outside stopper cap750 into balloon 980 (and in the opposite direction). For example, airmay flow into opening 922 of stopper 920, through hole 924, into andthrough first tube portion 932, through second tube portion 938, andinto balloon 980.

FIG. 11 shows stopper cap 750 attached to bottle 360 in accordance withan embodiment. Bottle 360 may be a bottle of any size. In anillustrative embodiment, bottle 360 is a two liter (2-liter) bottle ofsoda, or other carbonated beverage. In other embodiments, bottle 360 isa bottle having another size. In the example of FIG. 11, bottle 360 isfull or nearly full of a soda 1150. Accordingly, soda 1150 reachesnearly to stopper cap 750, leaving an air pocket 1165 in bottle 360.Under normal conditions, the air in air pocket 1165 contains an amountof carbon dioxide that is in equilibrium with the carbon dioxide in soda1150. While stopper cap 750 is attached to bottle 360, there is littleor no additional transfer of carbon dioxide from soda 1150 to the air inair pocket 1165.

In accordance with an embodiment, after a user attaches stopper cap 750to bottle 360, the user turns bottle 360 upside down and connects thebottle to connector assembly 335. FIG. 12 shows bottle 360 with stoppercap 750 and a cross-section of connector assembly 335 in accordance withan embodiment.

Connector assembly 335 comprises an outer casing 1210, which comprises acavity 1202. Grooves 1215 are disposed on the sides of cavity 1202.Casing 1210 also includes an inlet 1254, an input channel 1244, anoutput channel 1248, and an outlet 1258. Connector assembly 335 alsoincludes a wall 1231, which may in some embodiments be joined to casing1210. A sliding valve 1220 is disposed within a well formed between wall1231 and casing 1210. Sliding valve 1220 is supported by a spring 1235and may accordingly move up and down as spring 1235 extends andcontracts.

FIG. 13 shows sliding valve 1220 in accordance with an embodiment.Sliding valve 1220 comprises a cylindrical tube 1305 and an end 1310.Cylindrical tube 1305 is hollow or substantially hollow. End 1310comprises an end hole 1315 having a diameter smaller than the diameterof tube 1305. End hole 1222 allows air to flow into and out of tube1305. Sliding valve 1220 also includes a side hole 1222 on a side oftube 1305. Side hole 1222 allows air to flow into and out of tube 1305.

Returning to FIG. 12, when spring 1235 is extended, sliding valve 1220is in a first position in which side hole 1222 is not aligned with inputchannel 1244. When sliding valve 1220 is in the first position, as shownin FIG. 12, no air can flow from input channel 1244 into valve 1220.

In the illustration of FIG. 12, bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 arepositioned above connector assembly 335 and are not yet engaged withconnector assembly 335. In the illustrative embodiment, stopper cap 750may be engaged with connector assembly 335 by lowering stopper cap 750into cavity 1202 and twisting stopper cap 750 so that threads 973 (onstopper cap 750) engage grooves 1215 (in cavity 1202 of connectorassembly 335). FIG. 14 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 after theuser has twisted stopper cap 750 partially into connector assembly 335,in accordance with an embodiment.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 14, threads 973 have begun toengage with grooves 1215. As stopper cap 750 descends into cavity 1202,opening 922 of stopper 920 receives the top end of sliding valve 1220.In the example of FIG. 14, the top end of sliding valve 1220 touches (ornearly touches) first tube portion 932.

FIG. 15 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 after the user has twistedstopper cap 750 further into connector assembly 335 in accordance withan embodiment. As the user continues to twist stopper cap 750, threads973 engage further with grooves 1215. Stopper cap 750 descends, andsliding valve 1220 is forced downward by the inner edge of first tubeportion 932 until side hole 1222 (of valve 1220) is aligned with inputchannel 1244. Stopper 920 descends until it touches wall 1231 and casing1210.

Because side hole 1222 is aligned with input channel 1244, air may nowflow through inlet 1254 into input channel 1244, and through side hole1222 into sliding valve 1220. The air may further flow from slidingvalve 1220 up into channel 945 of first tube portion 932, and into airchannel 955 of second tube portion 938.

FIG. 16 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 after the user has twistedstopper cap 750 further into connector assembly 335 in accordance withan embodiment. As the user continues to twist stopper cap 750, outercasing 910 of stopper cap 750 descends further; however stopper 920remains in place and does not descend further as it is blocked by wall1231 and casing 1210. As a result, a channel 1605 opens between stopper920 and outer casing 910.

In accordance with an embodiment, liquid may flow from bottle 360 downthrough channel 1605, and out via output channel 1248 and outlet 1258.As a result, a user may now dispense soda from bottle 360.

In accordance with an embodiment, as soda is dispensed from bottle 360,air flows into balloon 980. In one embodiment, an amount of airsufficient to occupy the space vacated by the dispensed soda may beinjected into balloon 980, thereby controlling the volume of air pocket1165. In another embodiment, balloon 980 inflates until the air pressurein air pocket 1165 is equal or substantially equal to the air pressureof compressed air reservoir 240. The air injected into balloon 980 doesnot mix with the air in air pocket 1165. Consequently, balloon 980inflates sufficiently to ensure that the volume of air pocket 1165remains substantially unchanged. As the volume of the air pocket ismaintained constant or substantially constant, the partial pressure ofcarbon dioxide within the air pocket remains unchanged or substantiallyunchanged. Therefore, an equilibrium or substantial equilibrium ismaintained between the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide in the airpocket and the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonatedbeverage. As a result, little or no release of carbon dioxide from thesoda 1150 into air pocket 1165 occurs, and soda 1150 remains carbonatedeven as the quantity of soda within bottle 360 decreases.

Specifically, in accordance with an embodiment, when the air pressure inbottle 360 falls below the air pressure in compressed air reservoir 240,air flows into balloon 980 via inlet 1254, input channel 1244, side hole1222, sliding valve 1220, first tube section 932 and second tube section938. Accordingly, in response to the decrease in air pressure withinbottle 360, balloon 980 inflates until the air pressure in bottle 360 isequal to the air pressure of compressed air reservoir 240. As balloon980 expands, the volume of air pocket 1165 decreases.

In one embodiment, the air pressure in compressed air reservoir 240 ismaintained at approximately 30 psi (which is approximately the airpressure within a newly purchased bottle of carbonated soda).Consequently, as soda is dispensed from bottle 360, balloon 980 expandsto maintain the air pressure in bottle 360 at approximately 30 psi. Forexample, as beverage is dispensed from the bottle, a volume of airsufficient to cause balloon 980 to expand by a volume sufficient tooccupy the volume vacated by the dispensed beverage may flow fromcompressed air reservoir 240 into balloon 980. As a result, the volumeof air pocket 1165 is maintained constant or substantially constant,thereby maintaining a constant or substantially constant partialpressure of carbon dioxide within air pocket 1165. Therefore,equilibrium or substantial equilibrium is maintained between the partialpressure of the carbon dioxide in air pocket 1165 and the partialpressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbonated beverage. As a result,little or no release of carbon dioxide from the carbonated beverage intoair pocket 1665 occurs, and the beverage remains carbonated.

FIG. 17 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 connected to connectorassembly 335 in accordance with an embodiment. In this example, soda1150 nearly fills bottle 360. A relatively small quantity of air formsan air pocket 1165 within the bottle.

Supposing that a user dispenses a selected quantity of soda from bottle360, the quantity of soda 1150 within bottle 360 decreases as a result.FIG. 18 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 connected to connectorassembly 335 in accordance with an embodiment. In this example, becausethe user has dispensed soda from the bottle, the quantity of soda 1150has decreased compared to that shown in FIG. 17.

As the level of soda 1150 decreases, the volume of air pocket 1165increases. However, as the volume of air pocket 1165 increases, the airpressure within air pocket 1165 (and within bottle 360) decreases. Whenthe air pressure within bottle 360 falls below the air pressure ofcompressed air reservoir 240, air flows into balloon 980 and balloon 980expands. As shown in FIG. 18, balloon 980 has expanded (compared to FIG.17) and fills a portion of the space above the surface of soda 1150. Forexample, a volume of air sufficient to cause balloon 980 to expand by avolume sufficient to occupy the volume vacated by the dispensed beveragemay flow into balloon 980. As a result, the volume of air pocket 1165remains substantially unchanged (compared to FIG. 17), and soda 1150remains carbonated. When discussed herein, the volume of air pocket 1165does not include, and does not mix with, the volume of air withinballoon 980.

Supposing that a user dispenses additional soda from bottle 360, thequantity of soda 1150 within bottle 360 decreases further as a result.FIG. 19 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 750 connected to connectorassembly 335 in accordance with an embodiment. Because the user hasdispensed additional soda from the bottle, the quantity of soda 1150 hasdecreased further compared to that shown in FIG. 18.

Again, because the level of soda 1150 decreases further, the volume ofair pocket 1165 increases and the air pressure within air pocket 1165(and within bottle 360) decreases. When the air pressure within bottle360 falls below the air pressure of compressed air reservoir 240, airflows into balloon 980 and balloon 980 expands. As shown in FIG. 19,balloon 980 has expanded further (compared to FIG. 18) and fills asubstantial portion of the space above the surface of soda 1150.

As balloon 980 expands, balloon 980 exerts a downward force on slidingpiece 960, and pushes sliding piece 960 downward along second tubesection 938. As sliding piece 960 is pushed downward, spring 951contracts (increasing the upward force on sliding piece 960), until theforces on sliding piece 960 are in equilibrium.

Because balloon 980 has expanded to fill a substantial portion of thespace above the surface of soda 1150, the volume of air pocket 1165remains substantially unchanged (compared to FIG. 18). Consequently, anequilibrium of the partial pressures of carbon dioxide is maintained orsubstantially maintained, and little or no carbon dioxide is releasedfrom soda 1150, and soda 1150 remains carbonated.

While in the illustrative embodiment, an equilibrium of partialpressures is substantially maintained, in another embodiment, balloon980 may expand to fill a portion of the space above the surface of soda1150, thereby reducing the volume of air pocket 1165; however, thevolume of air pocket 1165 may increase minimally. In this embodiment,because the volume of air pocket 1165 increases, the partial pressure ofcarbon dioxide in air pocket 1165 decreases, and some carbon dioxide isreleased from the carbonated beverage. However, the release of carbondioxide is minimized, and the beverage remains substantially carbonated.

In an alternative embodiment, beverage dispensing system 100 may includea separate ice chamber with an ice dispenser. In one embodiment, a userplaces ice into the chamber to be kept cold. The ice may then bedispensed from the ice dispenser, for example, using a manually operateddispenser.

FIG. 20 shows a bottle and a stopper cap in accordance with anotherembodiment. Stopper cap 2020 comprises certain components that aresimilar to those described in the embodiment of FIG. 9, including outercasing 910, a stopper 920, and first tube portion 932. In thisembodiment, first tube portion 932 is coupled to a second tube portion2032. A balloon 2045 is attached to second tube portion 2032. Balloon2045 may be attached in any suitable manner. For example, balloon 2045may be attached to a separate cylindrical piece (not shown) that istwisted onto second tube portion 2032. Other methods may be used toattach balloon 2045 to second tube portion 2032.

In a manner similar to that described above, when beverage 1150 isdispensed from bottle 360, air flows through first tube portion 932 andsecond tube portion 2032 and into balloon 2045. Balloon 2045 accordinglyinflates, ensuring that air pocket 1165 maintains a constant orsubstantially constant volume. FIG. 21 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap2020 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, a portion ofbeverage 1150 has been dispensed, and air has flowed into balloon 2045,causing balloon 2045 to be partially inflated. Consequently, the volumeof air pocket 1165 is maintained or substantially maintained. Anequilibrium between the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in beverage1150 and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in air pocket 1165 ismaintained or substantially maintained, and little or no release ofcarbon dioxide from beverage 1150 occurs within bottle 360.

FIG. 22 shows bottle 360 and stopper cap 2020 in accordance with anembodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, an additional portion of beverage 1150has been dispensed, and more air has flowed into balloon 2045, causingballoon 2045 to be further inflated. Consequently, the volume of airpocket 1165 is maintained or substantially maintained. An equilibriumbetween the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in beverage 1150 and thepartial pressure of carbon dioxide in air pocket 1165 is maintained orsubstantially maintained, and little or no release of carbon dioxidefrom beverage 1150 occurs within bottle 360.

FIG. 23 shows a system for dispensing a carbonated beverage inaccordance with another embodiment. System 2300 may be adapted to attachto and dispense a beverage from a single bottle, or from multiplebottles. System 2300 comprises a compressed air reservoir 2330, a cap2335 comprising a tube 2338 and an inflatable object 2340 attached tothe tube. Compressed air reservoir may include a manual pump or anautomatic/powered air pressure system. Alternatively, a poweredcompressed air providing device may be used (without a reservoir). Cap2335 is attached to a container 2375, such as a bottle, that contains acarbonated beverage. A channel 2350, which may be a tube, for example,connects compressed air reservoir 2330 and cap 2335. Cap 2335 alsocomprises a dispensing mechanism 2390 for dispensing the beverage fromcontainer 2375. In the illustrative embodiment, cap 2335 is placed oncontainer 2375 while container 2375 is upright, and system 2300 operateswhile container 2375 remains upright. A second tube 2392 coupled todispensing mechanism 2390 allows dispensing mechanism 2390 to withdrawthe beverage from bottle 2375. In a manner similar to that describedabove, as the carbonated beverage is dispensed from container 2375,compressed air flows from compressed air reservoir 2330 through channel2350, through cap 2335, and through tube 2338 into inflatable object2340, causing inflatable object 2340 to expand within container 2375.Due to the expansion of inflatable object 2340, the volume of air withincontainer 2375 is maintained constant or substantially constant, therebymaintaining equilibrium or substantial equilibrium between the partialpressure of carbon dioxide in the air within the container 2375 and thepartial pressure of carbon dioxide within the carbonated beverage.Consequently, release of carbon dioxide from the carbonated beverage isprevented or minimized.

In other embodiments, a beverage dispensing and pressurizing system maybe structured differently than those described above. For example, whilea single balloon is used in the illustrative embodiment, in otherembodiments, a plurality of balloons may be coupled to a stopper cap viaa tube, and inserted into a beverage container. In such an embodiment,the plurality of balloons may expand as the beverage is dispensed fromthe container.

While the embodiments described above are discussed for use with a sodaor soft drink, the methods and systems described herein may be used topressurize and dispense containers that hold other types of carbonatedbeverages, such as beer, champagne, etc.

The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in everyrespect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scopeof the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from theDetailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpretedaccording to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to beunderstood that the embodiments shown and described herein are onlyillustrative of the principles of the present invention and that variousmodifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled inthe art could implement various other feature combinations withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus comprising: an inflatable object adapted to be insertedinto a beverage container; and a mechanism adapted to inject air intothe inflatable object in response to a decrease in air pressure withinthe beverage container.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the beveragecontainer holds a carbonated beverage.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the mechanism is adapted to maintain an equilibrium between afirst partial pressure within the carbonated beverage and a secondpartial pressure of an air pocket within the beverage container.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cap adapted to fit onto thebeverage container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled to the cap.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cap comprises a tube connectingthe cap and the inflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channeladapted to transmit air to the inflatable object.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, further comprising: a compressed air reservoir coupled to thetube.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable objectcomprises a balloon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising abeverage dispensing mechanism adapted to dispense a beverage from thebeverage container, wherein the decrease in air pressure within thebeverage container occurs in response to dispensing of the beverage. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a volume of air sufficient to causethe inflatable object to expand sufficiently to occupy a volume vacatedby the dispensed beverage is injected into the inflatable object.
 10. Asystem for dispensing a carbonated beverage, the system comprising: acompressed air reservoir adapted to: store pressurized air at a selectedpressure; a dispensing mechanism adapted to: dispense a carbonatedliquid from a container; an inflatable object adapted fit inside thecontainer; and a channel connecting the compressed air reservoir and theinflatable object, the channel adapted to: allow pressurized air to flowfrom the compressed air reservoir to the inflatable object; wherein: inresponse to a carbonated liquid being dispensed from the container,pressurized air flows from the compressed air reservoir into theinflatable object, causing the inflatable object to expand inside thecontainer.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the container comprises abottle.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the inflatable objectcomprises a balloon.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the channelcomprises at least one tube.
 14. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a cap adapted to fit onto the bottle, the cap comprising atleast one tube adapted to extend into the container when the cap isfitted onto the container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled tothe at least one tube, the cap further comprising: a second channelallowing pressurized air to flow through the cap into the inflatableobject via the at least one tube.
 15. The system of claim 13, whereinthe cap comprises a twist-on cap adapted to attach to a two liter sodabottle.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein a quantity of pressurizedair sufficient to cause the inflatable object to expand sufficiently tooccupy a volume vacated by the dispensed carbonated liquid flows intothe inflatable object
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the compressedair reservoir stores air at a pressure selected to inflate theinflatable object within the container sufficiently to cause an airpocket within the container to maintain a substantially constant volume.18. A connector assembly comprising: an outer casing defining: a cavity;an inlet; an outlet; a first channel connecting the cavity and anoutlet; and a second channel connecting the cavity and an inlet; ahollow sliding valve disposed in the cavity, the sliding valve having aside hole and a top hole, wherein the sliding valve has a first positionand a second position, wherein: the side hole is aligned with the secondchannel and a flow of air between the second channel and the cavity ispermitted when the sliding valve is in the first position; and the sidehole is not aligned with the second channel and the flow of air betweenthe second channel and the cavity is blocked when the sliding valve isin the second position; and an engaging mechanism disposed within thecavity, the engaging mechanism being adapted to receive threads of abeverage container, wherein: the sliding valve moves from the secondposition to the first position in response to a beverage container beingengaged with the engaging mechanism.
 19. The connector assembly of claim18, wherein the first channel is adapted to dispense beverage from thebeverage container when a beverage container is engaged with theengaging mechanism.
 20. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein thebeverage container is a two liter soda bottle.
 21. The connectorassembly of claim 18, further comprising a well disposed in the cavity,wherein: a spring is disposed in the well; and the sliding valve isdisposed in the well and attached to the spring.
 22. A beveragedispensing system comprising: a plurality of bottle holders adapted tohold a plurality of two liter bottles each containing a liquid; acooling system adapted to cool the plurality of two liter bottles; oneor more dispensing mechanisms adapted to dispense liquid from theplurality of two liter bottles; a pressurized air reservoir adapted tohold pressurized air; and at least one connector assembly coupled to thepressurized air reservoir, the at least one connecting assembly beingadapted to: engage a two liter bottle; allow liquid to be dispensed fromthe two liter bottle; and allow pressurized air to flow from thepressurized air reservoir into the two liter bottle.
 23. The beveragedispensing system of claim 22, wherein the cooling system comprises: aplurality of cooling loops; a plurality of Peltier plates; a heat sink;and a ventilation fan.
 24. The beverage dispensing system of claim 22,further comprising a stopper cap adapted to be attached to the two literbottle, the stopper cap being further adapted to be connected to the atleast one connector assembly.